Lakers News: Intriguing High-Upside Big Man Enters Free Agency, Should LA Target?

Will the Lakers give him a shot?

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a number of key moves ever since free agency kicked off and it looks like the trades that went down just a couple of months ago sent them up for success over these last few days when it came to their numerous signings.

However, they still have one hole on their roster and that is that they need one more big man after already having Anthony Davis as their primary option on the block and also welcoming in former lottery pick Jaxson Hayes.

Names like Bismack Biyombo have been thrown into the air along with reunions with former Lakers in Mo Bamba and Tristan Thompson. However, yet another intriguing option has now hit free agency after the Orlando Magic decided to waive their ultra-skilled power forward Bol Bol.

Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to report the news.

The Orlando Magic waived Bol Bol, team says.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 4, 2023

"The Orlando Magic waived Bol Bol, team says."

This move did shock me and majority of NBA fans that saw the news already. Bol easily had his best and healthiest year with the Magic last year as he averaged about nine points, six rebounds and a block while suiting up in 70 games for the franchise. He had spent three previous seasons with the Denver Nuggets and never played more than 32 games any of those years due to health issues and being left out of the rotation.

However, it looks like the Magic were not moved enough by Bol's ability to shoot, handle the ball and create for others while standing at 7'2. They have one of the best young cores in the league with Paolo Banchero, Markelle Fultz and a returning Jonathan Isaac headlining their squad and the former Oregon standout was likely not viewed as essential anymore.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Noel Sanchez (@noisebynoel)

So could the Lakers give him a serious look? I think there's a ton of obvious upside with Bol but the red flags are all there. He already showed just how injury prone he could be in the past and even though he likes staying out in the perimeter, he shot just 29 percent from deep last year. Bol also has a lanky and frail build and seeing that Jaxson Hayes already isn't the biggest center out there, it would be risky to add another similar guy.

But Bol certainly thrives in the fast break and with all of the hype surrounding the incoming Victor Wembanyama, fans have been quick to point out that Bol holds a lot of similar traits to him. I'll be very excited to see where he lands even if it is not with the Lakers!

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!